By Nigel Birch
Forum 2000 is a local, non-profit community group based in Horsforth, where people with enquiring minds can come and listen to, and discuss, a programme of presentations delivered by high-class speakers on a wide variety of topics.
It started life as the Featherbank Forum in 1978 and was initially established as part of the Airedale and Wharfedale College further education programme by Edwin Barlow, head of the centre in Featherbank Avenue.
The aim was to provide a current affairs class for retired people covering major issues of the day – social, political, economic and local affairs, with occasional lighter topics.
In 1983 it transferred to Leeds Adult Education and then in 1989 became part of the Workers’ Education Association programmes. 1997 marked the start of an independent existence with the Forum having its own management committee.
Edwin died prematurely in 1993 and Marjorie Hal, Brian Ormondroyd and Hilary Taylor have served as chairs of the Forum, which is currently run by an elected committee. Michael McGowan, a former Member of the European Parliament, was elected President of the Forum in 1998, a position he continues to hold today.
To mark the millennium, the name was changed to Forum 2000, and it now meets regularly on Wednesday mornings at the Grove Centre in Horsforth, and draws a large membership from across the city.
The forum has held over 1,300 talks since its inception, covering a very wide range of topics. The current programme has seen topics on the Leeds Library, the Brontes, and the Jewish community in Leeds.
Notable among annual speakers is Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University, who, from very early days, has visited the Forum to give an annual review of World Affairs.
Designated the Edwin Barlow Memorial Lecture, this meeting often attracts an audience of well over 100. Some of the diverse upcoming topics this spring are on Calverley Old Hall, the Golden age of Piracy and the adventures of a Mary Quant dress!
Michael McGowan said: “The Forum has a proud record of providing quality community education for almost half a century and helping to fill the gap of the sad decline of adult education by our universities and local authorities.”
Forum 2000 meet 30 times a year on Wednesday mornings between 10am and noon at the Grove Centre, New Street, Horsforth. Entrance is £3 including refreshments. All are welcome to attend.
- For more local events, check out WLD‘s what’s on section here.
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